Kings Mountain native shares journey to serving in the Navy

Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Rhodes, a native of Kings Mountain, serves the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Rhodes graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 2008.

He said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kings Mountain.

“I was taught to always persevere and never give up,” said Rhodes. "I grew up in a working-class family where we had to work for what we wanted so I never minded hard work."

Rhodes joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Rhodes serves as a master-at-arms.

“I joined the Navy to get out of my small town, see the world, and start my life,” said Rhodes. "One of my best friends joined, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."

According to Navy officials, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka empowers forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to military members and their families.

Rhodes serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Rhodes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud to say that I have been able to help so many of my fellow sailors navigate through the enlisting and recruiting process and highlight all that the military has to offer,” said Rhodes.

Rhodes said he is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my family back at home for always rooting for me and making this all worthwhile,” said Rhodes. "I would also like to thank my friends back at home and here in the fleet. Life is nothing if you don’t have people to share it with."

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Kings Mountain native shares journey to serving in the Navy